Marcus Whitener and Dwight Brannon College Bound

Two best friends signed letters of intent to play college football on Friday at Union County High School.

Dwight Brannon (Bottom Photo) will play at South Carolina State and Marcus Whitener (Top Photo) will play at Coastal Carolina.

Brannon and Whitener have been inseparable since pre-school, so it was only fitting that the two would sign to continue their athletic and academic careers at the same time.

“They are two outstanding football players and outstanding people,” said Jacket coach David Lipsey.

SC State is anxious to get Brannon on board, Lipsey said. They have only two quarterbacks on the roster and Brannon certainly will get his shot to lead the Bulldogs.

Coastal Carolina is excited about getting Whitener, Lipsey said, because he'll shore up the running back position.

Union County will miss the duo. After three successful seasons at Jonesville High, Whitener and Brannon led the new consolidated high school to a 9-5 record and the upper state championship game.

Whitener rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Brannon passed for 773 yards and nine touchdowns, and rushed for 552 yards and six touchdowns.

Brannon had 13 receptions for 134 yards. Whitener had 10 catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

“They will be hard to replace,” said Lipsey.

Whitener said Coastal Carolina was “the right place to go.” He was impressed by the program and coaches. He looks forward to becoming a Chanticleer and moving to the beach is a plus.

Brannon liked SC State's offensive scheme. The Bulldogs' spread and option attack is the same that was used by UCHS last year.

Both believe they can make an impact for their new schools. Both excel in the classroom and will graduate with honors.

And don't worry about the separation, the two friends will definitely stay in touch with only hours between campuses.

By BRIAN WHITMORE - Union Daily Times